Frankenstein, as Mary Shelley wrote it
The Frankenstein authorship debate really chaps my ass, but just in time for Halloween a new edition based on Mary’s notes may finally settle the matter.
History of Israeli literacy could shift with new archaeological find
Discovery of a pottery inscription that may be the oldest known Hebrew text could drastically alter our understanding of King David’s time.
Ever after, with canaries: R.I.P. William Wharton
William Wharton, author of Birdy, dies at 82. Not thinking of myself as a writer, he once said, gives me the freedom to be one.
Anne Landsman on the curse of the second novel
Anne Landsman has published two books, The Devil’s Chimney and The Rowing Lesson (just out in paperback). Below she writes about the difficulty of embarking on a second — and now, a third — novel.
A filmmaker friend of mine recently described the completion of one of her films, and her attempts to begin the next [...]
Books of the States
Omnivoracious pays homage to the literature of the states, based on order of joining the union and number of electoral votes.
Some buried Stout?
So I kissed her. It was either that or slug her. Did a Rex Stout book inspire Chandler’s famous line?
Vacation reading
Remember the Graham Greene rule of packing books: pack the opposite of where you are going.
Wednesday night: GYWO meets Authoritarian Idol
Burned out on election talk, yet unsuccessful distracting yourself from it?
I’ve finally given up. If you, too, are ready to embrace the inevitable, come out to Maxx Klaxon’s (some say he bears an uncanny resemblance to your friend and mine, Maximus Clarke) Authoritarian Idol extravaganza tomorrow (Wednesday) night at Monkeytown.
It may [...]
The Smart Set: Lauren Cerand’s weekly events
The Smart Set is a weekly feature, compiled and posted by Lauren Cerand, that usually appears Mondays at 12:30 pm, and highlights the best of the week to come. Special favor is given to New York’s independent booksellers and venues, and low-cost and free events. Please send details to Ms. Cerand at lauren [at] maudnewton.com [...]
Library ghosts
Books fall from the shelves & organ music is heard at night — and other reports of library hauntings. (Via.)
Toni Morrison audio in four segments
NPR is running an audio serialization of Toni Morrison reading from her new novel, A Mercy. Installments each day thru Thurs.
Marilynne Robinson video
Mark transcribes highlights from a Marilynne Robinson interview — and posts a brief video of the author reading.
Milan Kundera, through intermediary, threatens lawsuit
Without actually speaking to the press, Kundera demands an apology from the newspaper that called him an informant.
Eternal OUP disclosure
As you know if you’re following along, earlier this month I attended the 80th anniversary celebration of the Oxford English Dictionary in Oxford, England.
Oxford University Press covered my airfare and lodging expenses.
Although I normally decline freebie offers from publishers as a matter of course, I accepted the press’s invitation for several reasons.
Chief [...]
The Witches, Demons, & Thieves trivia quiz
Thanks to all who came out to Housing Works for our Witches, Demons, and Thieves Puritan Halloween party last night. I’m on deadline, so no time for a recap, but we had fun.
For those who couldn’t make it, here’s the kinda-on-theme trivia quiz we handed out. The best part — aside from [...]